Update: Still no New York State Legislature redistricting maps, but a public meeting about them scheduled for next week

Syracuse -- As Albany lawmakers and potential candidates await the release of new maps defining legislative districts, there is at least one sign today that the information will be made public before Monday.

The task force in charge of redistricting has called for the first public hearing on the new maps to be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Albany.

Presumably, the public will have proposed Senate and Assembly maps to comment on by then.

The maps were expected today, but closed-door negotiations have held up their release. Some are making a move to trade support for the proposed maps in exchange for an agreement to amend the state constitution to allow a more independent group to redraw future political boundaries.

As of now, the maps are expected to be released Thursday.

Anyone can submit testimony for Monday's hearing. To find out more, email the state's Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment or call 212-618-1101.

The maps will show the new districts for 150 Assembly seats and 63 Senate seats -- a controversial move that would increase the membership of the upper house by one.

The maps had been expected Wednesday, though there is no specific deadline for their release.

The redistricting is done by LATFOR, a bi-partisan committee made up of appointed legislators and staff from each party.

Already the task force has held hearings throughout the state last year soliciting information about redrawing the lines.

But much of the actual formulation of the maps happens behind closed doors, a method that has drawn much criticism. While the maps still are not public, some lawmakers already have been briefed on possible changes.